Congressman Mike Turner (OH-10) has lead the Ohio Congressional Delegation in a letter of support for the selection of the Ohio/Indiana Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Center & Test Complex to be selected as one of the six UAS Test Sites required by the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (Public Law 112-95). The selection of Ohio and Indiana as a UAS Test Site would be a boost to research endeavors in the region as well as local economies.
Turner helped co-author the language establishing the test ranges and included several complimentary provisions in the NDAA. Turner’s provisions, which were included in the FY12 National Defense Authorization Act and the long-term FAA reauthorization, also require that the FAA consult with DoD and NASA on site selection.
In the letter, the Delegation pointed to the logistical and technical advantages of selecting the Ohio/Indiana bid for a test site: “With access to restricted airspace, existing Memorandums of Agreement (MOA) and certificates of waiver or authorization (COA), the Ohio and Indiana region currently hosts robust UAS operations, with more than 1,000 sorties flown in the proposed airspace last year alone. The knowledge base of area pilots, researchers and engineers already operating in the UAS aeronautical specialties brings extraordinary understanding, commitment and a proven track record of performance and safety.”
In addition, the Ohio/Indiana bid is bolstered by existing FAA partners conducting research and development work for UAS integration in those states. This includes the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Glenn Research Center, and the Naval Surface War Center Crane Division (NSWC Crane). These facilities and their extensive contractor base hold key technologies needed for the integration of UAS into the national airspace, including sense and avoid technology at AFRL, secure command, control and communication technology at NASA Glenn Research Center, and intelligence and information technology at NSWC Crane.
NOTE: A copy of the letter sent to Secretary LaHood is below.
May 3, 2013
The Honorable Ray LaHood
Secretary of Transportation
Washington, D.C. 20590
Dear Mr. Secretary:
We are writing to express our strong support for the selection of the Ohio/Indiana Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Center & Test Complex to be selected as one of the six UAS Test Sites required by the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (Public Law 112-95).
The Ohio/Indiana proposal fully meets the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) requirements to ensure the safe and responsible operation of UASs in the national airspace system. This effort will be carried out in close proximity to a unique and powerful team of FAA partners already conducting research and development work for UAS integration, including the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Glenn Research Center, and the Naval Surface War Center Crane Division (NSWC Crane). These facilities and their extensive contractor base hold key technologies needed for the integration of UAS into the national airspace, including sense and avoid technology at AFRL, secure command, control and communication technology at NASA Glenn Research Center, and intelligence and information technology at NSWC Crane. The decision to locate significant UAS research and development in proximity to these test facilities represents a new and efficient aerospace national model.
Our states are dedicated to strengthening existing partnerships with the FAA in seeking solutions to the integration of UAS into the national airspace. With access to restricted airspace, existing Memorandums of Agreement (MOA) and certificates of waiver or authorization (COA), the Ohio and Indiana region currently hosts robust UAS operations, with more than 1,000 sorties flown in the proposed airspace last year alone. The knowledge base of area pilots, researchers and engineers already operating in the UAS aeronautical specialties brings extraordinary understanding, commitment and a proven track record of performance and safety. The Ohio and Indiana region also represents a broad array of weather conditions, allowing for adequate testing of aircraft and equipment in any weather conditions they may experience anywhere in the national airspace. Moreover, the diverse conditions among the test locations in the American heartland provide testing under conditions that will yield valuable data that will efficiently translate through most parts of our Nation. Because academic involvement is vital to maintaining next generation technology, the Center has partnered with 11 universities within the two states—most of the major institutions of higher education within Ohio and Indiana.
Protecting privacy is paramount to the successful introduction of commercial UASs into the national airspace. Our states are prepared to be the national pathfinder in understanding and developing the concepts of UAS law in privacy, liability, and airspace access. The Ohio/Indiana UAS Center and Test Complex will work with partners in industry and local colleges and universities to develop innovative approaches to privacy law, public policy and community awareness. This strategy of integrating legal policy development acknowledges that UAS access into the national airspace is more than a technical matter, but also requires thoughtful consideration of policy and legal dimensions. The Ohio/Indiana UAS Center and Test Complex is poised to develop these dimensions in a mutually supported approach.
Finally, the expansion of a UAS industry in Ohio and Indiana will contribute to significant economic development and job creation not only in our states but the entire Midwest region. Through deliberate cultivation of industry and research partners, and planned investment in early commercialization, we are confident that major UAS industrial growth can be achieved through our selection as an FAA Test Site. With key research and development activities associated with a test site taking place in the region, we expect to attract the rest of the supply chain, including manufacturing and assembly. Because of the large aerospace manufacturing sector already present in Ohio and Indiana, the selection of our proposal stands to provide high job gains in the region. While the greatest impact will be in the Midwest, this growth will also stimulate a national competitiveness in the UAS aerospace industry. The United States can be the leader as these technologies emerge, and Ohio and Indiana want to lead the way.
As you know, the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 establishes a tight schedule for the development of plans to integrate UASs into the National Airspace System. The selection of the Ohio/Indiana UAS Center & Test Complex will significantly enhance the FAA’s ability to create the policies needed to meet the diverse national interests associated with these aircraft in a safe and timely manner.
Thank you for your consideration.
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